WaTech Agency Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Salary : $109,464.00 - $147,204.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type : Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment : Flexible / Hybrid

Job Number : 2025-WaTech-5540-01550

Department : Washington Technology Solutions

Division : OCS

Opening Date : 02 / 26 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 19 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Description

WaTech Agency Chief Information Security Officer (CISO )

IT Security-Senior Manager)

WaTech : Leading the way in technology!

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is at the forefront nationally in integrating innovative technologies that revolutionize how state services are delivered to the people of Washington. WaTech establishes the strategic technological framework for various state domains and programs, overseeing the primary technology services throughout the state.

About the position

WaTech's Agency CISO serves as the agency CISO for WaTech and its hosted agencies. This position has a dual reporting role. As the agency CISO for WaTech and the hosted agencies, this position reports to the Director of WaTech and small agency executive management on agency-related information security issues and to the State CISO for administrative and enterprise-related concerns.

As the WaTech Agency CISO, you will be relied on to make decisions that directly impact the confidentiality, integrity and availability of WaTech and hosted agency information technology assets. These assets are crucial for providing mission-critical services to WaTech and customer agencies, which can impact the public health and safety of Washington state residents.

Duties

Some of what to expect with this role :

• Oversee the efficient delivery of information security services to WaTech and its hosted agencies.
• Lead the strategic direction of WaTech's security program, providing vision and leadership to safeguard organizational assets and data.
• Advise and collaborate with leadership teams across WaTech and the hosted agencies, offering expert counsel on setting information security objectives while fostering positive relationships and trust.
• Direct and manage information security governance processes, guiding WaTech and its hosted agencies in developing, implementing and adhering to a robust and scalable information security framework.
• Contribute to developing and continuously improving statewide IT policies.
• Lead the creation and enforcement of robust policies and practices for WaTech and its hosted agencies to safeguard protected and sensitive data and agency operations.
• Direct internal evaluations to assess the effectiveness of security controls for WaTech's information systems.
• Facilitate collaborative security audits and assessments.
• Lead strategic efforts to assess, evaluate and manage information security risks, ensuring ongoing monitoring and adaptation to emerging threats.
• Analyze the security implications of new technologies and their potential impact on WaTech and affiliated agencies, ensuring proactive risk mitigation.

Qualifications

Here's what we're looking for :

Four years of experience managing an information security program at the level of CISO, Security Director, Security Manager, or equivalent in a large, technology-heavy organization leading a highly skilled technical team.

Successfully supervising, leading, coordinating and guiding technical teams across multiple functions in a collaborative environment.

Preference may be granted to applicants with the following :

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Supplemental Information

Telework : This position is approved for telework. However, there is a monthly onsite requirement to attend in-person meetings, training, etc.

We value diversity and different perspectives :

WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences perspectives and unique identity.

What WaTech offers :

As an employee of WaTech, you'll have access to an outstanding that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more.

While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country's most , we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work-life balance.

To learn more about WaTech and what our employees enjoy about working here please .

How to apply :

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large "apply button" at the top of this announcement. You may need to create a profile and account in Washington state's automated application system. We invite you to include your name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.

To be considered for this position you will need to :

Note : Applications without the requested information identified above or containing supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may lead to your application being disqualified from consideration.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. (Please redact any personally identifiable data such as social security number prior to submittal.)

Conditions of employment :

This position requires a background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment.

Recruitment process :

First round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions. Those that are invited to a second interview will be asked to complete an assignement as a part of the assessment process.

Contact us : For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or .Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. WaTech complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits :

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note : If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note : Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and / or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note : Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

Please select the option that best describes how you meet the required qualifications :

Which of the following do you have six years of recent experience in information security across multiple key areas with a focus on proven ability to lead and coordinate cross functional technical teams, ensuring effective collaboration and successful outcomes? (Select all that apply)

Please briefly explain how you gained experience in each of the areas you selected in question #2. If this does not apply, type N / A.

Do you have four years of experience managing an information security program at the level of CISO, Security Director, Security Manager, or equivalent in a large, technology-heavy organization leading a highly skilled technical team?

Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #4. If this does not apply, type N / A.

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT etc.)?

How did you learn about this WaTech opportunity? Select all that apply.

Required Question

Salary : $109,464 - $147,204